I don't know about you all, but I am one of those people who loves a good beauty product, especially when it comes to my hair. My hair is never the same, it is ever changing be it in length (I have cut it many times in my life) or in styles be it curled, straightened, natural, etc. Whatever the case, a good hair product can completely change how my hair acts and is managed when I style it.

I recently joined Influenster and was super excited to get a VoxBox with two Herbal Essence hair products. I have always been a major fan of Herbal Essence as the smell of their products is so delectable, but also because they always delivered the outcome that is promised. It was fun to switch things up a bit in my hair product routine and try out the products that were sent to me.

I have used the Hello Hydration before from Herbal Essence, and was so excited to see it in my box, as it is hands down one of my favorite Herbal Essence products I have ever tried. With the amount of curling and straightening that often happens to my hair, I find that at times it can become dry and need a re boost of moisture. This shampoo definitely re-hydrated my hair as well as made it smell delightfully tropical!

The second product, the Toussle Me Softly Let It Loosehairspray, was a new product that I wasn't familiar with. However, after trying it out I was highly impressed! While this product is recommended to be used on damp or dry hair to give it a beachy wave, I actually chose to replace my normal hairspray and instead used this after curling my hair. The results blew me away! Typically when I curl my hair I end up with tight curls that are frozen in place by my regular aerosol hairspray and don't give off a wavy relaxed curl until day #2 hair. However, since replacing my typical hairspray with the Toussle Me Softly I have found that after curling my hair and spraying it with this product, I can actually achieve relaxed natural looking curls on the first day......my life is forever changed (I might do a tutorial on this??)! Aside from it's fabulous ability to make my hair touchably soft while still holding a wavy curl, it also is smells fabulous all day long!

P.S. A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who left such sweet comments on my Blog Birthday post!!

I love that there is a historical museum across the street from my college. It offers not only the perfect picture and picnic spots, but also takes me back to my childhood and reminds me of the times when we would go on field trips to old farms and plantations decked out in all of our period dress up clothes. Taking a study break to explore the old houses and grounds is always one of my favorite activities, and roaming around the grounds of the old farm houses always makes me think of life back then and imagine what it must have been like to live on a working farm.....

With the fall semester in full swing and all of my responsibilities and assignments, I unfortunately do not find much time to sew during the business of the semester. However, back during the labor day holiday weekend I managed to finish sewing this dress that I brought with me up to school. I had been admiring the "Shabby Apple" style striped dresses and thought I would try my hand at making one with this lovely green striped cotton I had picked up in Branson Missouri last winter. The dress turned out quite nicely and is definitely one of the comfiest dresses I have sewn, as it isn't form fitting and easily lets you breath.

I am curious to see how versatile I can make this dress in my fall wardrobe, as I am already imagining layering it with a collard shirts or throwing a sweater on over it. Truly, the idea and prospect of my fall wardrobe has me near giddy with the possibilities and colors. This past weekend I switched out all of my summer clothes for my fall pieces and I am already in LOVE with the natural rust, yellows, greens, and brown shades that fill my closet....now all I need is some chilly fall weather:)

Hip, Hip, Horray......Minnie Muse is turning TWO today! The party over here probably consists of donuts, LOTS of coffee, a few dance moves, and some fun tunes by Megan Trainor, Tori Kelly, and Taylor Swift!

It is crazy to think that it has been two years since I started this blog, and everything that has happened since then is mind blowing! Oddly enough, I started it at a unique time in my life because I I had just graduated High School a few months before. Thus, this blogging journey has been my constant companion throughout most of my college life, and without it I truly don't know what I would have done. I have used this space on the internet as a creative outlet for sharing who I am with others and doing what I love. I can't even begin to tell you all how wonderful it has been interacting with all of you incredible readers, and all of the lovely souls I have met over these past two years just blows me away. Minnie Muse wouldn't be where it is without EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU and nor would I! You all (the readers) are what make Minnie Muse what it is and make documenting my life and loves so worth it every time I sit down to write a new post.....it's just like I am writing to a LOT of good friends, so THANK YOU ever so much for being the lovely people that you are and for being such an encouragement to me!

Therefore, in honor of Minnie Muse turning 2 I thought I would do a countdown of the top 10 posts from 2016 (so far), starting with number 10:

I can't wait to see where the rest of this year takes me on my blogging journey and I cannot wait for all of the exciting things in years to come! Just within the last year Minnie Muse has grown sooooo much and I, myself as a blogger, have grown in my content, style, photography, and outreach with I hope to continue to improve upon as I continue to learn.
Once again, thank you for reading my blog, for leaving me the sweetest comments, for reaching out and getting to know me, for inspiring me with your own creativity and style, and for just being you!! Y'all are the BESTEST EVER!!

Were and of the 10 posts above some of your faves?What has been something you have enjoyed about Minnie Muse?What is something you would like to see more of in the future?-Madison

**Today's post was made possible by Madewell who gifted me this denim jacket. All opinions are my own.**

Sometimes I think about what people in NY wear and I always seem to arrive at the conclusion that those in NY take a lot of creative liscense when it comes to fashion. With that being said, I have yet to visit New York, so that is definitely a stop on my bucket list one day! However, when you received a package straight from New York, NY you easily become filled with New York fashion inspiration and start dreaming of visiting that inspiring city. In light of traveling, I tend to dress for the places I am venturing to......I can't just wear ordinary clothes, I have this weird thing about me where I like my clothes (fashion) to match my surroundings in some way, shape, or form. Therefore, if I went to New York I think this look would be one that I would pull out and wear whilst being a wide eyed tourist!

Seriously though, I can't get enough of this ensemeble! Remember me saying last week that I was going to try different things this fall....well this look is definitely one of those "different" things. Get ready for lots of denim appearances this fall because I am completely IN LOVE with the classiness of denim, especially this denim jacket from Madewell (aka. the fabulous package from NY) that I can't get enough of!

I have always LOVED visiting Madewell or perusing their online store. Their selection of simple and versatile quality pieces, that retain a classic style throughout the years has always inspired me and drawn me to their brand. Not to mention that their jeans, jackets, and overalls are always the greatest one can find. Therefore, I can't say enough about the quality and sheer perfection of this denim jacket that will be a classic staple piece in my wardrobe for years to come.

I wanted something unique to pair the Madewell denim jacket with, and therefore settled on a classic pair of brown cigaret paints with my vintage gingham button up. I finished off the look with my sued nude flats, a red purse, and a vintage broach. When I say this ensemble was something different for me, it is true, because I very rarely wear pants and when I do they are always a loose or flowy fit. Therefore, this style was a bit different for me, especially since I paired the classic pants with a denim jacket and collared button up. However, even with contrasting pieces they all pair perfectly together for a business meets modern, meets slightly edgy, meets classy look. The only thing that would make this look even more perfect would have been some darling novelty lapel pins on my jacket (definitely something for the future).

Also, just an awesome reminder that if you have a valid college student ID you can get 15% off every time you buy something at a Madewelllocation (not valid online).....so make sure to take advantage of that if you frequently shop at Madewell!

Are you a fan of Madewell?Do you ever mix things up that are different for you?What do you think about ones fashion for NY?-Madison

Who is ready for fall.....I mean, "real" fall where the air is crisp and cool, the leaves are changing colors, and hot humid days don't keep you from wearing sweaters and scarves 24/7?!?!? I know I am ready for it to TRULY be fall, however, in the process of waiting out this heat I have plenty of time to think about how I will transition my wardrobe into this coming fall season. Thanks to the lovely people over at Tobi I am set with some fabulous fall basics that have me dreaming up all sorts of styles to wear throughout the cooler season.

While it might have been close to 80 degrees when I headed out to take these pictures, this ensemble helped me get into the fall mood, and when you happen to chew a piece of cinnamon gum it makes your mind think that it is actually fall too....lol. Therefore, in light of the coming season I have been thinking about what my fall wardrobe will consist of and how I will transition my summer wardrobe to fall. Anyone else thinking of this right now? Typically for me, this means going from lighter pastel colors and floral's to more earthy tones and plaids. When fall hits I can never get enough of caramel hues, maroons, browns, tans, greens, and the all to fabulous golden mustard yellow.

I absolutely LOVE this classic A-line skirt that I received from Tobi, because not only is it fabulously flowy, but the rust color is so perfect for the coming season and will go with everything in my closet! To make it even better, this darling tan turtle neck sweater from Tobi finished off the ensemble with a 70's vibe that just so happens to be one of my favorite fall looks! With that being said, I am truly curious to see how my style this fall will change from how it has been in the past, as I am really loving the 1970's styles Like ALL of these with interesting prints, turtle necks, and boots. While I am still very much an old classic soul, I can't help but be drawn to different styles from different decades and fall always seems to be the time where I am constantly wearing a different decade.

All in all, these fabulous pieces from Tobi will definitely be worn constantly throughout this coming fall, and I can't wait to dream up different combinations to pair them with!

Of course Donuts have to be the header picture for a FAVES post, because Donuts are definitely one of my weekend (really all time) faves. However, aside from donuts, I have come across a number of FABULOUS things, bloggers, posts, books, shows, fashion, etc. for this installment of my recent faves and I think you will like the content you find below. I have tried to start compiling my faves post in advance so that when I see something I LOVE I can quickly add it to the post, that way when I go to write a faves post I don't forget about all the great things I recently discovered. Hope you all enjoy this installment and let me know what some of your recent faves are (aside from Pumpkin Spice Latte's of course!!!!)

Recently discovered the blog Finding Femme and am totally obsessed with Liana's fabulous vintage style and her love for bikes paired with darling ensembles! I have always wanted a vintage style bike just for taking pictures, and her blog makes me want a bike even more!

Blogger LOVE: I just cant get over the perfection of this post on Wish Wish Wish, Totally want to steal Lauren's Bike in her Latest Post, Always love anything Rebecca puts out and her Fall Wardrobe is perfection, and I also recently discovered Poor Little it Girl and can't get enough of Cathy's FAB outfits (plus her post titles are lyrics to songs).

Definitely get a tad bit jealous any time I see Daphne's new posts on her blog! Especially this most recent one, because I think we would all agree that living in Paris France would be perfection!

Is this Anne Of Green Gables Book Set not TO DIE FOR!!! I seriously want to add this set to my library (especially since I haven't read all of the books). Like seriously, these covers are so Anne APPROVED!

While we are on the topic of Anne of Green Gables, did you know that Netflix is coming out with an Anne of Green Gables TV adaption called ANNE! The show is set to premiere in 2017 so I am super curious to see if they do the story justice.

Totally in LOVE with the song "Not Today" by Imagine Dragons from the movie Me Before You! I recently watched the movie again and the ending scene with that song totally got me......definitely on repeat lately and I try not to tear up thinking of the book and movie...

Have any of you seen the trailer for the new movie Hidden Figures coming out next year? To say I am super excited about it is a totally understatement! The movie focuses on the women behind NASA (called the "human computers"), specifically the women behind John Glenn's space flight (which I know a decent amount about because of "Astronaut Wives" and an old Time Magazine). I SOOOOOOO CANNOT WAIT for this movie!

Kelly over at Studio DIY has done it again with her FABULOUS Colorful Fall Capsule Wardrobe! I don't think fall could get anymore colorful, or a capsule wardrobe be any more inspiring! I have never been one to like the idea of a capsule wardrobe because it seemed to "plain" for me, but now I am seriously reconsidering it......I basically want to steal Kelly's wardrobe:)

For all my seamstresses out there, can we just take a moment to appreciate this darling "No Regrets" seam ripper pin! I totally relate 100% with the message of this pin!

Basically I would love to be Sarah KJP with her fabulously classy style, adorable dog, and exciting adventures with her husband Like HERE! But alas, I am not, so I am contented in reading her blog and swooning over her Instagram knowing that she is as close as I will get to Kate Middleton here in America, because lets face it, they could be sisters:)

I have mentioned frequently on the blog that I am an introvert and to be honest, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise considering that a majority of bloggers (or at least the ones I follow) are moderate to severe Introverts; that is why blogging is such a HUGE part of who we are. With that being said, while I have mentioned my personality many times on the blog I haven't ever really talked about what it means to live as an Introvert, especially in relation to Introversion and college.

Whenever I think about the fact that I am in college, my Junior year no less, I can't help but always get this feeling that I have done the impossible! I don't know why I always feel that way, but maybe it is due to the fact that being in college is such a HUGE STRETCH for me? Granted, most days I am completely fine, but when I realize that I live away from home (on my own), am surrounded by hundreds of strangers, daily am in situations of "people overload," and now with my job, most days I must talk to people I don't know, it always seems like I am living a life that I never knew I would be able to.

Crazy thing is, I never realized that I was an introvert until maybe my Junior year of high school. I always just thought I was a quiet and shy person (which is true) but I didn't know that there were actually specific personality types that went along with these traits! Therefore, when I finally realized this I took a test and found that I was an INFJ (the 1%) which means I am 85% Introverted, 69% Intuitive, 69% feeling, 93% judging, and 81% assertive. Realizing that there are different types of personalities, and especially different levels of Introversion definitely helped me understand myself more and how my mind works.

College has been a complete game changer for me and has done some crazy things to me as an Introvert. Two semesters ago I applied to be a Resident Advisor (RA) up at college. The crazy thing about my applying to be an RA, was that the job entailed me to basically be an extrovert with my resident, or at least when carrying out my duties. I knew that when I applied, and I truly believe it was the idea of a challenge that inspired me to go through with the crazy plan. Even more astonishing was that I received the job just a few weeks later and was asked to start immediately instead of waiting till the next semester (which meant no formal training). Talk about jumping in HEAD FIRST!

Being an RA has completely changed my life....in my job position there are many times where I can become very extroverted, especially now that I am closer with all of my my co-workers. Its crazy to see all of the people that I have met and grown closer to all because I took a leap of faith on a challenge and did something CRAZY! The funny thing is that as an RA, most days I will be walking across campus, or to class and see people I know and actually say "hi" to them because I KNOW PEOPLE NOW at college (did you hear that mom!).

Some days I love the idea of meeting new people and talking to them, and then other days I go to BIG college Bible study parties and think...."Man, I am such an Introvert who is WAY out of her comfort zone!" But you know what, that is Ok! It is Ok to have days where I am out of my comfort zone because life isn't perfect and its often all about pushing ourselves beyond our boundaries to achieve something GREATER, and even in those weird situations, I always leave learning something (in the instance above I learned that college guys are absolutely CRAZY and completely immature.....but at least I will live longer with all of the laughing). However, even when I am out of my comfort zone and need to recharge, there is freedom in taking time for myself (or an entire weekend) in watching Netflix, reading a good book, single Goodwill shopping dates, Target runs, and lots of coffee to refuel my Introvert levels.

College life as an Introvert is a struggle at times, but it is a struggle and journey that has taught me sooooooooo much about myself. It has taught me that challenges are good things and that they help me grow. It has taught me that when I put myself out there to do something that is sooooo "not me" I will actually be more successful than I think. It has taught me that I actually CAN meet new people and make more than 1 friend in college and go to lunch with them, go to Bible studies with them, talk and just hang out. Sure, I still need days for myself, and I might avoid grabbing lunch at the dinning hall sometimes because #people, but I have grown to love the opportunities I have had to grow. I never would have been able to fathom all that has happened to me in college, much less everything I have been able to accomplish as an Introvert, but it has been totally worth it!

With all that being said and with the times I am challenged to be extroverted, I am still 100% an Introvert, through and through, and proudly wear my Introvert Girl Gang shirt because we have to stick together! As an Introvert (if that is you) you are unique. People might not always understand who you are (ok, most always) or realize that you need time to recharge and reasses life, but always remember that you really can do things that you never thought you would! Sometimes you just have to take a deep breath and jump into a challenge! Challenges are good for us, and if you take them every once in awhile you will grow and learn more about yourself and your abilities.

Maybe that is one reason that style means so much to me? As a reserved and introverted person I tend to say that clothes sometimes talk for me (you wouldn't believe what comments I have gotten from people) and also boost my confidence so much (check out Jessica Boyer's Latest Post on outfit confidence)!! Specifically this ensemble, because it says soooooo much about who I am: classic, with a little sass, a pop of pink, and a LOT of coffee....PLUS you can't forget about the all to IMPORTANT "Introvert Girl Gang" tee which sums up who I am and gives me LIFE! I actually wore a similar combination of this look for my first day of class and I love that in wearing it I let everyone know "whats up"............I'm an introvert and I'm going to EMBRACE it!

Any of you Introverts stretch yourself in school?Are you part of the "Introvert Girl Gang"?-Madison

About Me

Hello all! My name is Madison and welcome to Minnie Muse, a vintage inspired fashion and lifestyle blog. I am an old fashioned Texas girl and INFJ who loves coffee, thrifting, all things old fashioned, and cats (especially). On the blog you will find me capturing life's moments, going on adventures and sharing my personality through fashion and words. Welcome to this grand adventure; I hope you stick around for the journey!

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DISCLAIMER

If I have received an item or piece from a brand or company I will note the collaboration and give my honest opinion. Also, when linking to various products I will sometimes use affiliate links. This just means that if you click on a link or make a purchase through one I could receive a few cents from the purchase or click. Thank you for supporting Minnie Muse & what I love!